what follows the physical life on earth; life after death

the state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, thoughts, and surroundings

the spiritual aspect of a being; that which connects someone to God. The soul is often regarded as nonphysical and as living on after physical death, in an afterlife

Non-religious beliefs about death and the afterlife

Religious education

In this unit pupils will focus firstly on the relationship between religion and science - looking at ideas of creation. They will examine how Christians and non-religiious people view the world. Finally they will examine how people speak about the sanctity of life.

Issues of life and death

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Religious teachings all agree on what happens after death.

What is an argument against an afterlife?

Which of these is an example of ‘evidence’ used to support belief in an afterlife?

Which non-religious belief suggests that energy continues after death?

The {{}} is the spiritual aspect of a being, often regarded as living on after physical death.

Non-religious people known as {{}} reject the idea of an afterlife and believe that meaning comes from living fully in the present.

Some non-religious people believe in {{} - the idea that a person’s awareness can continue beyond the brain.

Catholics believe in {{}}, a temporary state of purification before entering heaven.

Christians believe in {{}}, which means being raised from the dead in either a physical or spiritual form.

In Christian belief, {{}} is eternal separation from God, often seen as a place of punishment.

Believers in Jesus will have eternal life.

What does the Bible say about life after death?

How does belief in the afterlife influence Christians?

The body is reincarnated into another life.

The resurrection body is transformed into a spiritual body.

People will live on as ghosts after death.

What does 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 teach about resurrection?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Non-religious beliefs about death and the afterlife

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.